Career Development Packages

To advance our mission of delivering professional growth, networks, advocacy, and leadership to support and strengthen the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of municipal professionals now and into the future, AMCTO Career Development Packages (CDPs) are a new end-to-end career skills offering for municipal professionals. Career Development Packages are curated groups of AMCTO programs and services aimed at addressing individual skills gaps and preparing municipal professionals for career growth.

These packages allow staff to obtain the necessary education and knowledge they need to succeed in an ever-changing municipal sector across three tailored learning streams.

Learning Streams

Each package or learning stream provides a defined pathway towards becoming a well-rounded and highly-skilled municipal professional, and includes fundamental programming and benefits:

AMCTO diploma & certificate-based education courses
Comprehensive professional development programs
Sector-recognized AMCTO accreditations
Enrollment in the AMCTO mentorship program
Annual AMCTO membership & related benefits

- 4-year program
- Ideal for those who have recently started in the municipal sector
- Participants will need to have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in a non-management role by the time they reach year four of the program in order to be successful
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- 3-year program
- Ideal for those in the clerk’s department looking to advance their career
- Minimum three (3) years’ experience in a clerk or deputy clerk role required
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- 2-year program
- Ideal for those in or interested in a management role looking to enhance their leadership skills
- Minimum three (3) years’ experience management or leadership role required
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Consider a CDP

Effective staff retention and recruitment is paramount for the sector and Ontario communities to continue to flourish. Our CDPs lay the foundation for success at every stage in your municipal career.

- CDPs are offered at a 25% discount off the market rate annually for each package component
  CDPs provide you and your municipality with significant cost savings and strategic opportunities for organizational succession planning
  Bundling and discounting of AMCTO offerings represent thousands of dollars in savings to municipal staff training and development budgets
  All AMCTO program fees are subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment
- CDPs create a defined path for a "complete" municipal professional, further strengthening your organization's talent pool
  Participants will have documented municipal-specific education, experience, and personal development
- Increased connection between the municipality and the individual
  CDPs encourage municipal organizations to recognize employee/leadership development as part of succession planning
  Enrollment in CDPs demonstrates employer commitment to employee growth and professional development
“After transitioning careers within municipal government several years ago, the Career Development Packages have been instrumental in accelerating my learning. Access to experienced mentors and networking opportunities with seasoned professionals has condensed years of growth into a focused, manageable program. I'm already applying what I've learned in my daily work and continue to benefit from the support and guidance of peers I've connected with through AMCTO.”
Garrett Meades, Acting Manager, Legislative Services/Deputy Clerk, City of Guelph
2025 Early Career Stream Participant
“As a newer Municipal Clerk at the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal, participating in the Legislative Stream has been a valuable and timely step in shaping my professional journey. The program’s tailored, practical approach has equipped me with relevant knowledge and tools I can apply directly in my day-to-day work and long-term career planning. It’s also provided strategic value to our municipality by supporting succession planning and offering cost-effective professional development. Most importantly, my participation reflects our organization's commitment to investing in its people and fostering future leadership from within.”
Candise Newcombe
Deputy Clerk, Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
2025 Legislative Stream Participant
“The Leadership Stream is a great opportunity for anyone looking to grow their leadership skills, whether you're just starting out or already in a leadership role. The courses and forums are practical and focused on the real challenges facing municipalities, and the connections you make with colleagues and instructors are invaluable. The two-year structure provides you with a clear professional development goal that is supported by your municipality, and the discounted rate makes it a cost-effective way to access outstanding continuing education. I highly recommend this package to anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and make lasting connections along the way.”
Justine Brotherston, AMP
Interim Director of Corporate Services/Municipal Clerk, Township of Puslinch
2025 Leadership Stream Participant
AMCTO CDPs provide an intensive professional development path for municipal professionals. Successful applicants are enrolled in a pre-set series of courses and programs at an extremely discounted rate. To maintain enrollment and eligibility for the discount throughout the duration of the package, which ranges between two to four years, participants are expected to follow certain policies and procedures, such as:
Paying yearly enrollment fees according to payment schedules set by AMCTO
Completing all course/program components in the CDP according to the prescribed schedule
Maintaining qualifications for AMCTO Full Member membership status
Submitting supplementary application or registration forms where required, such as those for mentorship and accreditation
Meeting the criteria for accreditation when the accreditation process begins in the CDP schedule
The full requirements are detailed in the following full set of Terms and Conditions. Successful applicants must agree to these Terms before starting the CDP.
View the Full Terms & Conditions

How to Apply

Applications for the Career Development Packages are now closed for 2025. Applications will re-open in July 2026. Please note that there are only 10 spots available within each stream — all applications will be reviewed following the deadline on a first-come, first-served basis. As a reminder, CDPs require participants' full attention, time commitment, and agreed upon employer support.

Career Development Packages

Learning Streams

Consider a CDP

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